India's New 'Sea Of Troubles' To Pakistan

In response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, the Indian government has imposed sweeping bans targeting maritime and trade relations with Pakistan. The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has barred Pakistani-flagged ships from Indian ports and prohibited Indian vessels from docking at Pakistani ports under Section 411 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, citing national security concerns.

The ban aims to protect Indian cargo, infrastructure, and strategic maritime interests. The restriction is effective immediately and will stay in force until further notice, with exemptions evaluated case by case.

In a parallel move, the Ministry of Commerce has prohibited all direct and indirect imports from Pakistan. This includes a halt to all goods transiting through or originating from Pakistan. The Wagah-Attari crossing—the only trade route—has also been shut. These actions follow India’s broader measures like suspending the Indus Waters Treaty and downsizing diplomatic presence.